WBCQ Propagation Models

The propagation studies presented here were generated using the VOACAP software suite, a free professional HF prediction program from NTIA/ITS,originally developed for Voice of America (VOA).

For each of WBCQ’s four shortwave services, a propagation prediction chart was generated for typical operating hours. All times listed are in coordinated universal time (UTC). Sunspot numbers were estimated using the predicted sunspot numbers for cycle 24 from the IPS web site.

Signal coverage is shown in a full color graphical display over a map of North America. The median field strength in dBu is shown. Higher numbers translate to a stronger signal. Just beacuse a particular region is not shown in the signal coverage map, it doesn’t necessarily mean that that service cannot be heard there. Shortwave signal propagation varies depending on solar conditions. A solar storm or geomagnetic disturbance can enhance or degrade shortwave signal coverage in a particular area.

To give you a visual representation of how shortwave propagation varies depending on the time of day, we combined each hour’s propagation prediction charts together in an animation.

These charts were generated for January, 2013.

• WBCQ 7490 Propagation
• WBCQ 9330 Propagation
• WBCQ 15420 Propagation
• WBCQ 5110 Propagation